Garages are one of the most versatile spaces in a home. Whether it’s used for storing tools and equipment, providing a place for hobbies and craft activities, or simply as an extra room for storage, garages have the potential to be incredibly useful. However, due to their multifunctional nature, they can also be some of the messiest spaces in the home. If you’re looking to turn a messy garage into a neat and organized space, here are four tips to help make it happen.
Make Use of Wall-Mounted Storage Solutions
The walls in your garage offer plenty of opportunity for storage — use them! With wall-mounted shelves, you can quickly reclaim lost space, organize loose items, and create a more usable floor area. Shelving units come in various sizes and materials to fit any need or budget. Consider pegboard if you’re looking for something a bit more decorative and eye-catching. Not only does it come in multiple colors, but you can also use it to hang tools or other items in constant need of access.
Hooks are a great way to keep items off the floor and out of the way. Hooks come in many sizes and can be used to hang bikes, tools, hoses, cords, or any other object that is regularly accessed or needs to hang for storage. You should consider installing floating shelves or cubbies if you want something more permanent than hooks. They are perfect for storing items like gardening tools, spray cans, paint buckets, and other small items that don’t need to be hung.
Another great storage solution is rolling carts or cabinets. You can use them to store large objects such as toolboxes or lawnmowers and smaller items such as rakes and shovels. The wheels on the bottom make them easy to move around the garage, allowing you to access items when needed easily. If your garage is short on space, consider wall-mounted wire shelving units that are great for freeing up floor space and organizing smaller objects like drill bits or bolts.
Fix Your Garage Entryway
The first step to restoring order in your garage should be addressing how people enter and exit. Start by repairing any loose boards, filling gaps between the walls, and possibly even replacing the door if needed. Reinforcing the entryway will ensure that rodents, insects, or other creatures don’t wander into your space.
Next, you’ll want to check your garage door springs. Make sure they are properly adjusted and lubricated so that the opening and closing of the door are as smooth and efficient as possible. If you notice any signs of damage, like cracks, or if the spring appears to be sagging, it’s time to repair the springs of your garage door. Make sure to have the springs inspected and replaced by a professional to ensure it is safe and functioning properly.
In addition, you’ll want to think about how you can improve the overall security of your entryway. Consider adding a keypad or digital lock that allows you to control access to your garage from outside the home. You can also add a keypad or digital lock to the inside of the garage door to make sure it’s secure from intruders.
Get Rid Of Inessential Items
One of the quickest ways to start organizing your garage is to eliminate any unnecessary items taking up valuable space. This includes old furniture, clothes that don’t fit, toys, etc. Once you have sorted through everything, try to donate or throw away as much of it as possible. Not only will this free up space, but it will also make your garage feel less cluttered and overwhelming.
To make this process easier, start by sorting everything into piles. Have one pile designated for items you want to keep, another for items that can be donated or sold, and a final pile for items you should throw away. Getting rid of inessential items is also an opportunity to assess your storage needs. If you notice that you have many items, think about investing in extra storage units or shelves to help keep everything organized.
Once the sorting is complete and you have removed unnecessary items, it’s time to start organizing what’s left. Make sure you group similar items and label each shelving unit so you know what’s inside. If you have items that need extra protection, such as tools or sporting equipment, invest in plastic bins and containers to store them. You can also use space-saving solutions like bike hooks or wall organizers for fishing poles and other long objects.
Designate a Space For Uninterrupted Projects
Do you like to tinker or do projects around the house? Designate an area in your garage that is solely devoted to these activities. Ensure ample lighting, plenty of floor space, and enough storage for all your tools and materials. This way, when you’re ready to tackle a new project, you can easily access what you need without searching through the entire garage.
To make your project area more efficient, it is also essential to have a power source close by. You can achieve this through the installation of an electrical outlet or two. You won’t have to rely on extension cords when using your power tools or other electric equipment.
Finally, make sure that your designated workspace is well-lit. That way, you can see what you are working on in detail. Placing a few task lighting options around the workspace can also help minimize any shadows and allow for better visibility when needed.
In Closing
Organizing a messy garage may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! With these four tips, you can quickly and easily turn your garage into a neat and organized space. From using wall-mounted storage solutions to getting rid of inessential items, you can create an inviting and functional area that will make all your projects much more manageable.
